Protective enclosure

ABSTRACT

A protective enclosure ( 100 ) for a nail file machine includes wall portions defining an enclosure suitable for the base portion ( 30 ) of the machine. The base portion ( 30 ) of the nail file machine is inserted into and removed from the enclosure ( 100 ) through an access door ( 104 ). The enclosure ( 100 ) also includes apertures ( 134, 136 ) that afford a manicurist access to the operating controls ( 32, 34, 36 ) of the nail file machine. Further, the enclosure ( 100 ) incorporates external receptacles ( 114, 116 ) that serve to neatly and conveniently store the hand portion ( 40 ) of the nail file machine as well as the nail file bits ( 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 ) and other manicure accessories.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a protective enclosure, more particularly to an enclosure adapted to enclose a manicurist's nail file machine so as to shield the base portion of the machine from dust and debris generated during a manicure or pedicure, and to compactly and conveniently arrange and store ancillary components of the machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Manicures and pedicures are common and frequently requested beauty treatments. When performing a manicure or pedicure, a manicurist will often utilize an electrically powered nail file machine. Such machines facilitate rapid and thorough nail filing, particularly when a manicurist is removing previously attached artificial fingernails. Artificial nails are typically attached by means that render them difficult to remove with a manual file. For instance, acrylic nail tips may be attached to the natural nail by a strong adhesive. Another technique consists of forming a nail tip from an ultraviolet-curable gel brushed onto the natural nail. Additionally, nails are often strengthened by the application of a fiberglass or silk cloth to the nail, secured by an adhesive. Nail file machines significantly reduce the time and effort needed to remove various fingernail attachments. However, these machines produce considerable dust and debris that often falls onto them, resulting in an untidy appearance. Besides giving rise to a generally dusty and untidy work area, the dust can enter the vents of a nail file machine, thus fouling and causing accelerated wear of the machine's internal components. Furthermore, a dust-covered machine and work area give clients a negative impression of the manicurist and the establishment.

[0003] A typical nail file machine consists of a base portion, a hand portion, and various tool bits required to perform particular manicure or pedicure operations. The hand portion incorporates a rotary drive mechanism and tool chuck, and is connected to the base portion via a cable with an attached connector plug. The base portion often incorporates a control to vary the speed of the tool and another control to reverse the direction. A jack in the base portion receives the hand portion connector plug. Furthermore, the tool chuck facilitates quick interchangeability of the various tool bits, as required by the manicure or pedicure operation at hand. The hand portion and tool bits are typically loose, ancillary components for which the nail file machine ordinarily has no storage provisions. Furthermore, these components can easily be lost and can clutter a workspace if stored near the machine where a manicurist works.

[0004] It would be advantageous for a manicurist to be able to protect the nail file machine from dust and debris, particularly in a way that does not hinder a manicurist's access to the machine and its operating controls. It would be further advantageous to store the machine and its ancillary components in a convenient and easily accessible fashion.

[0005] Additionally, the hand portion is prone to falling off a manicurist's table. The hand portion is a delicate instrument and a fall may damage the hand portion. The repair and/or replacement of the damaged hand portion is expensive. Thus, it would be advantageous to be able to secure the hand portion near the base portion, thus preventing it from being damaged due to a fall.

[0006] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description and upon reference to the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The protective enclosure for the nail file machine encloses the base portion of the machine so as to protect the machine from dust and debris. Further, it secures the hand portion of the machine to keep it from falling off of a manicurist's table. The front portion of the enclosure includes an aperture for the manicurist to access the controls of the nail file machine. The front portion also includes an opening aligned with a jack on the face of the base portion that receives the connector plug on the end of the hand portion attachment cable. The enclosure includes a sliding access panel through which the base portion of the nail file machine is inserted into the enclosure. This sliding panel includes apertures for various configurations of power cords to pass through. Further, holders attached to the exterior of the enclosure receive the hand piece and various filing bits such that all components of the nail file are neatly organized and readily accessible to a manicurist. In one embodiment, the protective enclosure, which is preferably constructed of a plastic material, includes a clear face as part of a mainly opaque assembly so as to substantially conceal the base portion of the nail file machine. In other embodiments, the enclosure is entirely clear, thus rendering the base portion fully visible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the base portion of the nail file machine within the enclosure, and the hand portion and file bits inserted into their respective holders.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the sliding access panel in the open position.

[0010]FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

[0011]FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3.

[0012]FIG. 5 is a detail view of a slot that receives the sliding access panel of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and all of the embodiments illustrated herein.

[0013]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6.

[0015]FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8.

[0017]FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, a typical nail file machine includes a base portion 30 with controls 32, 34, 36 located on a front face 38. Such a machine also typically includes file bits 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, and a hand portion 40, connected to the base portion 30 via a cable 41 with an attached connector plug 42. FIG. 1 further illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of the nail file enclosure 100. The enclosure 100 includes a front face 102, a rear sliding face 104, two side panels 106, 108, a top panel 110, and a bottom panel 112. The base portion 30 of the nail file machine is received within the enclosure 100 such that the base portion 30 is protected from dust and other debris generated during the course of a manicure.

[0020] In this embodiment, receptacles 114 and 116, which receive the hand portion 40, file bits 44, 46, 48, 50, and other manicure tools, are disposed on the side panel 106 and the top panel 110, respectively. More specifically, the hand portion 40 of the nail file machine is received within a holder 118 of the attached receptacle 114 for storage during non-use, and is retained therein by force of gravity. This receptacle 114 also includes holders 120, 122, 124 that are used for storage or arrangement of additional miscellaneous manicure tools such as brushes or cuticle trimmers. In another embodiment of the invention, the receptacle 114 may be configured with only the hand portion holder 118; that is, without the additional tool holders 120, 122, 124. The file bits 44, 46, 48, 50 of the nail file machine are received within holders 126, 128, 130, 132 of the attached receptacle 116, and are retained therein by force of gravity when not in use.

[0021] Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration and placement of the tool receptacles 114, 116, as the receptacles 114, 116 be can positioned on any or all of the faces, in various orientations, as is known to those of skill in the art. Furthermore, the configurations of various holders and holder sizes as described are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.

[0022] The front face 102 of the enclosure 100 further includes an aperture 134 for access to the operational controls 32, 34, 36 on the front face 38 of the base portion 30. The front face 102 also contains a second aperture 136, aligned with a hand portion connector jack such that the jack can receive the hand portion connector plug 42.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, the rear face 104 slideably engages channels 138, 140 formed in the side panels 106, 108. The rear face 104 can be slideably opened and closed, which facilitates insertion and removal of the base portion 30. In the embodiment shown, the rear face 104 also includes an aperture 142 that accommodates external power cords and affords access to controls and other features located on the rear panel of base portion 30.

[0024]FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of the enclosure 200. The enclosure 200 is configured for access to the controls and connector jack on another model of nail file machine. Furthermore, the enclosure 200, in contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, affords an alternative storage configuration for the nail file machine accessories.

[0025] As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the enclosure 200 is generally horizontally oriented and is designed to rest on a manicurist's worktable or other flat surface. The enclosure 200 includes a front face 202, a rear sliding face 204, two side panels 206, 208, a top panel 210, and a bottom panel 212. The base portion of the nail file machine is received within the enclosure 200 such that the base portion is protected from dust and other debris generated during the course of a manicure. In this embodiment, receptacles 214 and 216, which receive the hand portion, file bits, and other manicure tools, are disposed on the side panel 208 and the top panel 210, respectively. More specifically, the hand portion of the nail file machine is received within a holder 218 of the attached receptacle 214 for storage during non-use, and is retained therein by force of gravity. This receptacle 214 also includes holders 220, 222, 224 that are used for storage or arrangement of additional miscellaneous manicure tools such as brushes or cuticle trimmers. In another embodiment of the invention, the receptacle 214 may be configured with only the hand portion holder 218; that is, without the additional tool holders 220, 222, 224. Furthermore, the file bits of the nail file machine are received within holders 226, 228, 230, 232 of the other attached receptacle 216, and are retained therein by force of gravity when not in use.

[0026] Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration and placement of the tool receptacles 214, 216, as the receptacles 214, 216 be can positioned on any or all of the faces, in various orientations, as is known to those of skill in the art. Furthermore, the configurations of various holders and holder sizes as described are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.

[0027] The front face 202 of the enclosure 200 further includes an aperture 234 for access to the operational controls on the front face of the base portion. The front face 202 also contains a second aperture 236, aligned with a hand portion connector jack, located on the front face of the base portion, such that the jack can receive the hand portion connector plug.

[0028] As is better seen in FIG. 4 and close-up FIG. 5, the rear face 204 is slideably received within channels 238, 240 on the inside rear edges of the side panels 206, 208, respectively. As in the first embodiment, the rear face 204 may be slidably opened and closed, which facilitates insertion and removal of the base portion. The rear face 204 also includes an aperture 242 for base portion power cords to pass through and to facilitate operator access to the base portion rear panel controls.

[0029]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. The enclosure 300 provides alternate accommodation for the nail file machine accessories and external power cords.

[0030] As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the enclosure 300 of this embodiment is generally horizontally oriented and is designed to rest on a manicurist's worktable or other flat surface. The enclosure 300 includes a front face 302, a rear sliding face 304, two side panels 306, 308, a top panel 310, and a bottom panel 312. The base portion of the nail file machine is received within the enclosure 300 such that the base portion is protected from dust and other debris generated during the course of a manicure. In this embodiment, receptacles 314 and 316, which receive the hand portion, file bits, and other manicure tools, are disposed on the side panel 308 and the top panel 310, respectively. More specifically, the hand portion of the nail file machine is received within a holder 318 of the attached receptacle 314 for storage during non-use, and is retained therein by force of gravity. This receptacle 314 also includes holders 320, 322, 324 that are used for storage or arrangement of additional miscellaneous manicure tools such as brushes or cuticle trimmers. In another embodiment of the invention, the receptacle 314 may be configured with only the hand portion holder 318; that is, without the additional tool holders 320, 322, 324. Furthermore, the file bits of the nail file machine are received within holders 326, 328, 330, 332 of the other attached receptacle 316, and are retained therein by force of gravity when not in use.

[0031] Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration and placement of the tool receptacles 314, 316, as the receptacles 314, 316 be can positioned on any or all of the faces, in various orientations, as is known to those of skill in the art. Furthermore, the configurations of various holders and holder sizes as described are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.

[0032] The front face 302 of the enclosure 300 further includes an aperture 334 for access to the operational controls on the front face of the base portion. The front face 302 also contains a second aperture 336, aligned with a hand portion connector jack, located on the front face of the base portion, such that the jack can receive the hand portion connector plug.

[0033] As is better seen in FIG. 7, the rear face 304 is slideably received by channels 338, 340 on the inside rear edges of the side panels 306, 308. As in the first embodiment, this allows the rear face 304 to be slideably opened and closed, thus facilitating insertion and removal of the base portion. The rear face 304 also includes apertures 342, 344 for base portion power cords to pass through and to facilitate operator access to the base portion rear panel controls.

[0034]FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention that is configured to be vertically mounted to the side of a manicurist's table or any other vertical surface. This arrangement contrasts the horizontal orientation of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 7.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 8, the enclosure 400 of this embodiment thus orients the base portion of the nail file machine generally vertically, with the nail file controls facing upwards. The enclosure 400 includes a front face 402, a rear sliding face 404, two side panels 406, 408, a top panel 410, and a bottom panel 412. The base portion of the nail file machine is received within the enclosure 400 such that the base portion is protected from dust and other debris generated during the course of a manicure. In this embodiment, receptacles 414, 416, which receive the hand portion, file bits and other manicure tools, are disposed on the side panels 406, 408, respectively. More specifically, the hand portion of the nail file machine is received within a holder 418 of the attached receptacle 414 for storage during non-use, and is retained therein by force of gravity. This receptacle 414 also includes holders 420, 422, 424 that receive the file bits and retain them therein by force of gravity when not in use. As is more clearly seen in FIG. 9, the receptacle 416 includes two holders 426, 428 of a first diameter and an additional two holders 430, 432 of a second diameter, configured to receive manicurists' brushes and cuticle trimmers of various sizes and retain them therein by force of gravity.

[0036] Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration and placement of the tool receptacles 414, 416, as the receptacles 414, 416 be can positioned on any or all of the faces, in various orientations, as is known to those of skill in the art. Furthermore, the configurations of various holders and holder sizes as described are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.

[0037] Referring again to FIG. 8, the front face 402 of the enclosure 400 further includes an aperture 434 for access to the operational controls on the front face of the base portion. The front face 402 also contains a second aperture 436, aligned with a hand portion connector jack, located on the front face of the base portion, such that the jack can receive the hand portion connector plug.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 9, the rear face 404 slideably engages channels 438, 440 formed in the side walls 406, 408. Thus, the rear face 404 can be slideably opened and closed, which facilitates insertion and removal of the base portion. In the embodiment shown, the rear face 404 also includes an aperture 442 that accommodates external power cords and affords access to controls and other features located on the rear panel of the base portion.

[0039] This embodiment orients the base portion of the nail file machine generally vertically, with the nail file controls facing upwards. As seen in FIG. 9, the top panel 412 of the enclosure includes key-shaped holes 446, 448 that receive screws or other support means that project outwardly from the side of a manicurist's table. Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration of mounting holes, as the holes can be shaped or positioned to receive the various types of support means known by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040]FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment of the invention in which the enclosure 500 is oriented vertically, in the manner of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 is configured to receive a model of nail file machine with a different configuration of the operational controls and connector jack than the nail file machine received by the enclosure 400 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Furthermore, this embodiment is configured to accommodate an arrangement of external power cords different from that described in the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0041] The enclosure 500 includes a front face 502, a rear sliding face 504, two side panels 506, 508, a top panel 510, and a bottom panel 512. The base portion of the nail file machine is received within the enclosure 500 such that the base portion is protected from dust and other debris generated during the course of a manicure. In this embodiment, receptacles 514 and 516, which receive the hand portion, file bits, and other manicure tools, are disposed on the side panels 506 and 508. More specifically, the hand portion of the nail file machine is received within a holder 518 of the attached receptacle 514 for storage during non-use, and is retained therein by force of gravity. This receptacle 514 also includes holders 520, 522, 524 that receive file bits and retain them therein by force of gravity when not in use. As is more clearly shown in FIG. 11, the receptacle 516 includes two holders 526, 528 of a first diameter and an additional two holders 530, 532 of a second diameter, configured to receive manicurists' brushes and cuticle trimmers of various sizes and retain them therein by force of gravity.

[0042] Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration and placement of the tool receptacles 514, 516, as the receptacles 514, 516 be can positioned on any or all of the faces, in various orientations, as is known to those of skill in the art. Furthermore, the configurations of various holders and holder sizes as described are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.

[0043] Referring again to FIG. 10, the front face 502 of the enclosure 500 further includes an aperture 534 for access to the operational controls on the front face of the base portion. The front face 502 also contains a second aperture 536, aligned with a hand portion connector jack, located on the front face of the base portion, such that the jack can receive hand portion connector plug.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 11, the rear face 504 slideably engages channels 538, 540 formed in the side panels 506, 508. Thus, the rear face 504 can be slideably opened and closed, which facilitates insertion and removal of the base portion. In the embodiment shown, the rear face 504 also includes apertures 542, 544 that accommodates external power cords and affords access to controls and other features located on the rear panel of base portion.

[0045] As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, this embodiment orients the base portion of the nail file machine generally vertically, with the nail file controls facing upwards. As seen in FIG. 11, the top panel 512 of the enclosure includes key-shaped holes 546, 548 that receive screws or other support means that project outwardly from the side of a manicurist's table. Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration of mounting holes, as the holes can be shaped or positioned to receive the various types of support means known by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] Thus, the invention provides a protective enclosure for a manicurists' nail file machine. The invention shields the base portion of the nail file machine from dust and debris, and provides compact and convenient storage receptacles for the associated components of the machine.

[0047] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto. On the contrary, we intend to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective enclosure for a nail file machine, the enclosure comprising: an exterior surface, the exterior surface defining an interior, the exterior surface includes a first face, wherein the first face includes an aperture.
 2. The protective enclosure of claim 1, further comprising an access panel, the panel openable to permit access to the interior of the enclosure.
 3. The protective enclosure of claim 2, wherein the access panel slideably engages a plurality of slots.
 4. The protective enclosure of claim 3, wherein the access panel includes an aperture.
 5. The protective enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a tool receptacle, the receptacle disposed on the exterior surface.
 6. The protective enclosure of claim 5, wherein the receptacle includes an opening.
 7. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein the enclosure includes a mounting portion.
 8. The protective enclosure as in claim 7, wherein the mounting portion is disposed on the exterior surface of the enclosure.
 9. The protective enclosure of claim 8, wherein the mounting portion comprises a mounting opening.
 10. A protective enclosure for a nail file machine, the enclosure comprising: a plurality of wall panels connected together, the panels defining an interior, one of the wall panels includes an aperture, one of the wall panels includes a tool receptacle, an access panel is connected to one of the wall panels, the access panel permits access to the interior.
 11. The protective enclosure of claim 10, the enclosure further comprising a mounting portion disposed on one of the wall panels.
 12. The protective enclosure of claim 11, wherein the mounting portion comprises a slot disposed on one of the wall panels.
 13. The protective enclosure of claim 10, wherein the tool receptacle includes an opening.
 14. The protective enclosure of claim 10, wherein one of the wall panels includes a slot, the slot slidably receives the access panel.
 15. The protective enclosure of claim 14, wherein the access panel includes an aperture.
 16. A protective enclosure for a nail file machine, the enclosure comprising: a plurality of wall panels defining an interior, one of the wall panels including an aperture; an access panel, the access panel connected to one of the wall panels, the access panel openable to permit access to the interior, the access panel further including an aperture; and a tool receptacle disposed on one of the wall panels, the tool receptacle including an opening. 